Months later, Nora graduated with honors. The Whitaker family filled the front row. They opened a counseling center for grieving children in Maribel’s memory.
Under the flowering jacaranda tree, Jonathan took Nora’s hand.
Hazel spoke quietly. “You did not replace her. You helped us survive her absence.”
Nora cried openly. “That is enough.”
The house that once chased everyone away became a home again. Grief remained, but love stayed longer.